The evaluation of the clinical effect of topical St Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in plaque type psoriasis vulgaris: a pilot study.

Abstract

In this case series, ten patients with plaque-type psoriasis were treated with Hypericum perforatum ointment. The hypericum ointment was applied to one side of each patient's body and the vehicle to the opposite side twice daily for 4 weeks in a single blinded manner. Modified psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores were significantly lowered where the formulated ointment had been applied. In determining PASI scores, three factors, erythema, scaling and thickness, were evaluated; all were significantly lower where the formulated ointment had been applied (P = 0.01, P = 0.004, P = 0.04). Hypericum perforatum ointment applied twice daily may be effective in reducing PASI scores in mild plaque-type psoriasis, however, further larger studies need be conducted to achieve a more conclusive result.

• Authors: Parvaneh Najafizadeh, Farshad Hashemian, Parvin Mansouri, Susan Farshi, Mohammadhossein Salehi Surmaghi, Reza Chalangari
• Journal: The Australasian journal of dermatology (Australas J Dermatol) Vol. 53 Issue 2 Pg. 131-5 (May 2012) ISSN: 1440-0960 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 22571563 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Authors. Australasian Journal of Dermatology © 2012 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Chemical References

• Ointments
• Plant Extracts

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Hypericum
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ointments (therapeutic use)
• Phytotherapy
• Pilot Projects
• Plant Extracts (therapeutic use)
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Single-Blind Method
• Young Adult